Chemical Engineering Intern

Job Summary

The Chemical Engineering Intern will support research and development activities focused on wood preservative formulations, treatment technologies, and performance evaluation. This role provides hands-on laboratory and pilot-scale experience while contributing to the development, testing, and improvement of chemical products used in wood protection applications.

The intern will work closely with R&D scientists and engineers on projects related to product innovation, formulation optimization, process development, and regulatory support.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and optimization of wood preservative formulations, coatings, or treatment chemistries.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, chemical testing, and performance evaluations.
• Support pilot-scale or bench-scale testing to evaluate formulation effectiveness, stability, and compatibility.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare technical summaries and reports.
• Assist in evaluating new raw materials or alternative chemistries for improved performance, sustainability, or regulatory compliance.
• Support durability, penetration, retention, and leaching studies related to treated wood products.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and ensure compliance with data integrity requirements.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Technical Services.
• Maintain awareness of environmental/safety policies and procedures to perform duties in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Candidate Qualifications/ Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (junior or senior standing preferred; sophomores considered).
• Strong interest in research, product development, or applied chemistry in an industrial setting.
• Basic understanding of chemical engineering principles, mass balances, and laboratory practices.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and chemical handling procedures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with data analysis tools is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to prioritize work and work on multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks and complete on schedule with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated initiative to exceed customer expectations.
• Proficient in MS Office software suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively present to a group.
• Proven adaptability and flexibility to work as a part of team.

Physical & Work Requirement

• Must be able to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• List any PPE: lab coat, safety glasses, non-slip/closed toe shoes
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts
• High, precarious places
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Outside weather conditions
• Contribute to other projects and plans not specifically noted to reach divisional objectives

Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category or characteristic protected by federal law, state, or local law.